On Agriculture (De Re Rustica) (1514) - Page 15

In June, days increase and shadows decrease.			In December, days decrease and shadows increase.
hour 1	feet	22	hour 1	feet	29
hour 2	feet	12	hour 2	feet	19
hour 3	feet	8	hour 3	feet	15
hour 4	feet	5	hour 4	feet	12
hour 5	feet	3	hour 5	feet	10
hour 6	feet	2	hour 6	feet	9
hour 7	feet	3	hour 7	feet	10
hour 8	feet	5	hour 8	feet	12
hour 9	feet	8	hour 9	feet	15
hour 10	feet	12	hour 10	feet	19
hour 11	feet	22	hour 11	feet	29

BUT it must be known that the first days of the month described are those by Palladius a Roman writer on agriculture: nor will the shadows be the same on other days of each month as they were on the first days if one were to describe them; rather, they are always either smaller as the days increase, or larger when they decrease. If all of these were described, they would make a great volume. Furthermore, it would be a task of many years if it were to be done in Europe. For since it is necessary that every single day of the whole year be clear from sunrise to sunset, and this never happens in Europe, the clear days of many years would have to be observed until all were described. Because this is laborious and full of long weariness, neither Palladius did it, nor anyone else, and perhaps there will never be anyone who does. But enough of these things. Farewell, dearest reader, and love me.